Bangs Are Low-Key the Best Haircut If You Have a Round Face Shape—Here's Proof

Round face shapes are the best. (I say that with a little bit of bias because I have one.) A common myth people seem to like to reiterate, though, is that bangs just don't look good on rounder face shapes. I'm here to tell you that's completely false. Celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins has a thing or two to say about that. "Old-school culture dictates that everyone needs to have an oval face to appear classically beautiful. It's giving Western standards of beauty," he says. "Round faces, square faces, heart-shaped, oval—they're all gorgeous! The kind of bangs you get should be based on your personal preference and how much time you’re willing to spend on styling."

I've been looking for some bangs inspo lately to switch up my own look, and I figured stylists like Hawkins would be perfect to tap for advice. If you're looking for the best haircut with bangs for a round face shape, keep scrolling. Advice from Hawkins and a few other trusted celebrity stylists is below.

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(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

If you have shorter, looser curls like Julia, wispy side bangs with a bit of volume on the top look completely stunning. Pro tip: Use extra hair spray to keep your cut and style in place.

Must-have beauty product:

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Amy's flipped-out bob adds so much texture and volume to the hair. This works so well for straighter, shorter hair types.

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"If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, it might be time to try wavy or curly bangs," says Hawkins. "This low-maintenance style is so cool, so effortless, and can give you a whole new vibe! Just be sure to cut your curly or wavy hair when it dries so it doesn’t shrink up!"

Must-have beauty product:

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(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

This long, almost shag-like cut with layers and bangs is really working for me. The short, piecey bangs are a nice touch, too, and look great on rounder face shapes.

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If short bangs aren't really your thing, go for longer, side-swept bangs or face-framing pieces. Celebrity stylist Jamie Wiley is a fan. "A great option [for round face shapes] is a full side swept fringe," she says. "Creating length and texture will offset the roundness, so longer bangs and longer layers work best."

Must-have beauty product:

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Blunt, piecey bangs á la Rihanna are always in. I love how they balance out her face shape with a cut that hits just below the chin. It's the perfect length for youthful-looking faces.

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(Image credit: @nikkilee901)

Although Sydney has more of an oval face shape, I still think this particular style would look gorgeous on rounder face shapes, too. The longer face-framing layers and classic-cut bangs are so universally flattering. To tame flyaways, try a smoothing pomade like R+Co's Dart.

Must-have beauty product:

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(Image credit: @nikkilee901)

Wiley also thinks it's a great idea to add height and volume at the root if you're styling short hair with bangs. "If you wear a cropped style, think height, not width, when styling. Cutting above or below the jawline is ideal as it will offset the roundness [of your face]. If cutting right at the jawline, it will draw attention to it. So above or below is key and adding in waves or curls for added texture."

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(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

"I personally like longer hair with just a little bit of layering around the face," says celebrity stylist Laura Polko. "Especially with curly hair—really embrace the curls, have them shine, and have a lot of volume. Curly hair is really flattering on a round face. If people have a rounded face or more youthful baby face, curls are the best look! With the new T3 Singelpass Curl options, there is something for everyone. I really love the smallest size (the 0.5 inch) for touching up and enhancing natural curls."

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Polko also stresses the importance of one key styling hack. "Layering is super important for a round face shape, especially longer layers to create the illusion of a more oval face."

I love Emmanuelle's mussed bangs and layers here. They look so effortlessly chic.

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(Image credit: @chloehelenmiles)

Wispy curtain bangs are also another great look for round face shapes, but they can be a little more high maintenance according to Hawkins. "They tend to get oily faster," he says. Spraying dry shampoo like the SexyHair Laundry Day Dry Shampoo ($21) onto a brush and then brushing your fringe will soak up oils and give your bangs a much-needed lift! A curtain bang that’s a bit longer is a nice low maintenance change, too."

Must-have beauty product:

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(Image credit: @laurapolko)

And what about baby bangs? I'm here to make an argument fully in favor of round face shapes. It's cute and adds just a touch of uniqueness without having to go all in on blunt or curtain bangs.

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I'll admit that a pixie cut with micro-bangs is bold. With the right stylist, though, you can make some magic happen for a rounder face shape.

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(Image credit: @nikkilee901)

Lengthy blunt bangs with a few longer pieces on the side really frame a round face. They also wear perfectly with a classic high bun.

Must-have beauty product

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(Image credit: @leletny)

Shorter layers with springy, curly bangs look so cute. Curls already have a lot of natural volume, so this cut looks extra special with a headband.

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(Image credit: @nikkilee901)

"I love a textured bang for a round face," says celebrity stylist Jennifer Korab. "Texture is important to help diffuse the roundness and the length because it lays well above the eye area which can elongate the face instead of widening it." Keep a texturizing product handy to make sure they stay in place.

Must-have beauty product:

Up Next: These Are the Strategic Cuts That Will Make Your Hair Look Fuller Instantly

Shawna Hudson
Associate Beauty Editor

Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.